About Us
Chase Lumber a Bliffert Family Company
FOR LOCAL, BY LOCAL. A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE NOW EVEN STRONGER IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BLIFFERT LUMBER.
If ever there were two companies identical in their makeup and philosophies, it’s Chase Lumber and Bliffert Lumber. Quality products. Straight answers. Competitive pricing. Friendly, knowledgeable service. Delivery where you want it when you need it. And a true commitment to community through five generations of family ownership. These are the building blocks that have kept both in business for more than a century.
It’s these qualities, combined with the increased support, products and services from Bliffert Lumber that will continue to be the reason why people in south central Wisconsin choose Chase Lumber as their preferred supplier of lumber and building products.
Serving local, building local since 1897.
1897
Moses Chase and his son James. W. Chase expands their agricultural holdings by purchasing an interest in a lumberyard. Opening its doors on South Bristol Street in Sun Prairie as Chase, Mann and Gross.
1908
Benjamin Chase (son of James W.) grows the family business by purchasing Gibbons lumberyard on Main Street. At the same time, the Chase family becomes the sole proprietor of Chase, Mann and Gross.
1923
After consolidating businesses, Chase Lumber & Fuel Company is born, residing on Main Street for the next four decades.
1932
Frederick W. Chase (son of James W.) takes over as President of Chase Lumber & Fuel Co.
1939
Frederick expands the business into DeForest by purchasing a lumberyard and running it independent of Chase Lumber & Fuel Co.
WWII
With a new building boom, Charles begins to focus the company more on lumber and building and less on fuel. Purchasing a lumberyard in Cottage Grove that would also be independently run.
1964
In January, an arsonist sets fire to Chase Lumber & Fuel Co. on Main Street. After four decades, the Main Street location is a total loss.
1965
After the fire, Theodore moves the business to a much larger site on the west side of Sun Prairie (where it stands today) and becomes Chase Lumber, expanding the facility and operations.
1980
Upon his retirement, Theodore passes the business on to his son, David D. Chase, who becomes President of Chase Lumber, steering the expansion and growth of the business for nearly four decades.
2007
Chase Lumber wins "Wisconsin Family Business of the Year Award” for its contribution to the community and industry, positive links between family and business, and innovative business practices.
2017
After the passing of David, a 5th Generation of the Chase family takes the helm of Chase Lumber. Guiding the company with the same philosophies and business acumen that have been handed down for more than 100 years.
2017
The Cottage Grove lumberyard is closed and its operations spread to the Sun Prairie, Deforest and McFarland facilities.
2023
Bliffert Lumber & Hardware of Milwaukee merges in Chase Lumber to combine two 5th-generation family-owned businesses with a collective 244 years of experience in the building industry. Sharing the same values and business philosophies, the merger elevates the range of services, products, and support for both the customers and communities that both companies serve throughout south-central Wisconsin. Pictured c1880 the first Bliffert location in Milwaukee, WI, and today with Eli Bliffert (5th generation) and son, Devlin Bliffert (6th generation).
2023
After 29 years of working at Chase Lumber, and her last seven leading the company as President, Val Stiener, retires. As the 5th generation of family ownership, her leadership helped guide and position the company for prolonged success and growth like the generations of leadership did before her. Assuring that Chase Lumber will continue to support its customers and communities with the utmost in products and services for generations to come.